Yes, I know it's getting ridiculous with how many stories I have. They will be finished, that I can promise. Publishing them is the only way I can finish a story beginning to end anyway. So onto the story...

Beta: Withgirl (Although I did publish this without permission, so I wasn't necessarily thorough.) All mistakes are mine this time.

*Side note: Anyone reading Devil's Hangman, expect an update a couple hours from now or first thing in the morning. And since I'm here now...Happy Labor Day Americans. Enjoy your Monday off.

**Another Side note: As far as Emma's occupation...I know little to no detail about police officers and detectives. Although I do know it real life transfers are not like the tv shows. This is for entertainment purposes only so being 100% wasn't on the agenda but I tried to make sure it made sense.

Enjoy.

It was the longest ten minutes ever. Her last ten minutes there as far as she was concerned. Working for the NYPD was great. She loved her job but there had always been this nagging feeling in her. It made her feel unsatisfied with what she was doing with her life and it pissed her off.

She sighed tiredly, catching the attention of one of her coworkers as he passed by her desk. He gave her a sympathetic grin as he left the main room. She sighed even harder until she her a ping of an incoming text.

She glanced around and then pulled her phone from the belt clip on her waist. Her thumb swiped over the lockscreen and she was instantly met with a series of impatient looking emojis in a text from her son. She scrunched up her nose at the message and shook her head as she typed out a reply.

Seriously kid. Don't you have hw or something to do?

A reply came within seconds.

End of school yr ma. No hw. Hry up.

I barely understand what you say most of the time. I'll be home soon.

She sat her phone down and leaned back against her chair, scooting closer to her computer to open her email. As soon as she opened it, it dinged with two new emails. Her eyes widened at the first one and she clicked it immediately.

Emma Swan,

It has come to our attention here at the LAPD that you've taken your leave and could be potentially looking for another position in your line of work. Your accomplishments are widely known and you would be a great asset to any department. Due to this information, I am extending an offer to you for a position here for the LAPD as a detective. Take all the time you need to think on it as we're aware someone of your skill set has already been widely saw after by other-

"Swan." Emma jumped in her chair with a hand over her heart. She quickly glanced to her desk still rattling from her surprise and then looked to the man walking by to sit down on the corner of her desk.

"What do you want?" The blonde asked with a grimace as she got back her stolen breath.

"Those are dangerous emails to be reading in here." He chuckled, glancing at her computer screen. Emma rolled her eyes and sat forward in her chair. "Pick a place yet?"

"No, but I'm being pulled in a hundred different directions. I may as well let Henry pick, I'm open to a new place and the kid is up for some adventure."

"Henry's really okay with moving?"

"Absolutely."

"Great kid you got there. Most are opposed to leaving behind friends."

"Killian, Henry is a free spirit and an aspiring writer. Of course he wants to go everywhere and anywhere."

"Ah, I see." The brunette man grinned softly. "I'm gonna miss you Ems."

"You too, Killian" Emma gave a half smile as she stood from her desk. She shoved her phone in her back pocket before turning off her computer screen.

"Best partner I ever had. Friend..." Nate said putting his arms out as he stood up to her. She embraced the hug, noticing how tight he was holding on. She couldn't blame him either they'd been friends for years.

"Well…" Emma joked.

"Hey, I'm your only partner, Swan."

"Yeah, I know." She smiled, pulling away. She started to walk out backwards. "You never know though I could be back in the fall."

"Could be. I'll save you a seat, Swan. Don't forget to check in."

"I won't. Call you when I get there, Jones."

"You tricked me you know?" Henry muttered.

"Really? How's that?" Emma asked smirking at him.

"You said we were going on a summer vacation…" He started, sitting his phone in his lap.

"Right." Emma nodded.

"You said somewhere cool."

"Yes."

"Mom, Storybrooke, Maine is not cool. It's in the middle of nowhere."

"Henry, you're supposed to be open minded about exploring. Why not?"

"I just don't get it. What's so great about Maine? Let alone Storybrooke, Maine? Sounds stupid."

"It's a change of scenery kid. Lighten up. You were excited before." Emma rolled her eyes. He slumped in his seat and frowned, pulling his phone up to his face. The car fell into a silence that had Emma fidgeting and she reached for the radio. Henry looked over the top of his phone at her moving hand.

"Are you going to let me drive?" He interrupted on purpose. She dropped her hand and glared at him.

"Why would I do something like that?"

"Because I'm fourteen."

"So?"

"You said you started driving when you were fourteen." The teen argued.

"Your childhood and mine are completely different. I was hotwiring cars and joy riding-"

"And I won't be doing any of that." He grinned mischievously. "I'm actually a good kid."

"You're a little shit." Emma rolled her eyes and his grin got even wider. She slapped her hand over the radio and Aerosmith started blasting from the speakers. Henry cringed at the sudden assault on his eardrums. Plugging his ears with his index fingers, he grimaced at his mother who was all smiles with the windows down and the wind whipping around them.

And then as if on cue, Emma started singing along with the radio.

"Mom, no." Henry warned.

"Huh?" Emma questioned laughing. "I can't hear you. You said sing?"

"No!" Henry yelled. "No. No, singing."

"Walk this way! Walk this way!" She started to sing and he groaned glancing out the window before letting his head drop on to the glass for the entirety of the song.

"Ma, would you shut up!? You're singing sucks." He shouted as a Metallica song switched on. She turned down the radio and looked at him with an offended expression. Okay, so maybe he was lying and she could sing really well but she couldn't sing rock songs. They just weren't her thing even though she loved them. Henry dropped his hands and murmured a sorry that wasn't really necessary.

"You're lucky I'm a cool mom or you'd be in trouble." Emma smirked. Her smirk turned into a smile at the town line starting to come into view. "We're here."

"'Welcome to Storybrooke.'" The teenager read as they passed into town. "Not seeing the appeal."

Emma sighed and continued to drive into the sleepy town. She was actually excited to be in a new place. It was different from the previous two big, busy cities they lived in before. It was going to be nice to have a little vacation where she didn't have to think about having to pick the place she was going to transfer to in two months. Henry would complain but would simply be satisfied with getting to write without the interference of homework and to be away from school.

"So what are you thinking, Hen?" Emma asked as they drove by the big clock tower.

"It's alright. A little…old fashioned though."

"Change of scenery."

"Yeah I get it."

"It's not like it's completely dead here." Emma shrugged seeing the town bustling already. "How about a summer job? Or you know maybe a place setting for you book? That'd be interesting."

"I'll think about it."

"That's all I ask. The place looks nice." The blonde parked on the curb near a small diner. "Granny's Diner. How 'bout it kid? Hungry?"

"Starving." He replied shoving out of the car. Emma shot him a look. He'd made her stop more than a few times on their way here. "I mean…I can eat."

"You're my son, of course you can eat." Emma was right behind him as her made it to the door.

"We don't have similar tastes in changes of scenery though." He mocked walking through the door and not giving a single look to the area around him, taking a seat at a booth.

"Will you give it a rest, you little turd..." The blonde said playfully taking in the atmosphere of the place. She took a deep breath and inhaled the smell of probably the best apple pie she'd ever come into contact with. She made note to order some almost immediately. She sat down across from Henry with a full view of the rest of the place. The windows, the diners, and the front door. Although her eyes snapped back to the diners who happened to be taking glances at them.

"Guests." A tall brunette said coming up to their table. Henry looked up from his phone and Emma turned her eyes to the young woman smiling smugly at them with a raised eyebrow.

Her days as a bail bonds person forced her to learn how to catch details in a split second. Although the brunette woman was almost like an open book, making her skill practically unneeded. Unlike the rest of the waitresses around, she was wearing skin tight jeans, boots that traveled mid-calf, and a flannel button up neatly folded to her elbows but still holding a pen and pad in her hands. There was a spark in her eyes that Emma couldn't quite identify but it didn't feel threatening so she grinned back.

"Don't get a lot of those around here?" Emma asked.

"They come and go. Not much excitement coming from outside the town than there already is here."

"Well, we're not here to rock the town unfortunately."

"That's too bad." The brunette chuckled. Henry suddenly got an idea in his head and started typing furiously on his phone. She nodded the movement from the corner of her eye and watched him in amusement before turning back to Emma and offering a hand. "I'm Ruby by the way."

"I'm Emma." the blonde said taking her hand. She gestured to her son across the table and Ruby and Henry shook hands as well. "This is my son Henry."

"Passing through or staying a while?" Ruby asked.

"A little of both actually. We're here for two months or so. My boss at my previous job, Robert Gold, he's an ass but he suggested this place. Said it was a nice place to go and relax. He had a cabin here once I think."

"Robert Gold? Sounds familiar but I'm not one to remember every person I come across." Ruby shrugged with a grin. "Where you from?"

"Chicago originally but I moved to Boston and after I had Henry I high tailed it to New York." It didn't seem to cross her mind that she felt comfortable enough to talk with the woman about things she usually wouldn't say to strangers. There was just something about her that was easy to trust.

"City people. I can relate. I'm originally from England but I jumped ship to America."

"England?" Henry asked, looking up from his phone. "You don't have an accent."

"It's been a while."

"It can't have been too long. You're definitely younger than my mom. Like 22 right?"

"Henry." Emma hissed.

"More or less." Ruby answered without hesitation, chuckling at Emma's partially mortified expression. "So, what can I get you guys?"

The pair glanced down at their menus and then instantly came up with what they wanted.

"Chicken salad and a chocolate milkshake." Henry answered first, immediately going back to his phone again.

Emma shook her head at him and glued her eyes back to the menu. "I'll have a bacon cheeseburger and a chocolate milkshake, too. Oh, and definitely a slice of that pie smelt from outside."

Ruby snorted and nodded. "Can do, blondie. I'll be back with your order." Ruby smiled heading towards the kitchen window with their ticket.

"Huh…that was…weird." Henry looked away from his phone at her. "Just something about her. Friendly…I don't know what it is."

"She's cool I guess." He shrugged.

"I feel like you're planning something but I'm not going to ask what." Emma looked away and around the diner. Her eyes landed on a new patron walking through the door. Her eyes widened as she watched the brunette make her way up to the counter. Her jaw slacked and she practically squeaked. "Oh…"

The sound caught her son's attention. Henry looked over at her and then turned in his seat to the woman she was ogling with wide, puppy like eyes. He'd seen the look before and unfortunately all the people it was directed at had in one way or another forced his mother into a social shell. She was shy and nervous and awkward, which only worsened with every heartbreak she suffered.

Still, he gave the woman a glance, at first not finding her, and then she was suddenly in full view. The woman was in a red dress and a gray blazer with dark locks grazing her shoulders. He looked back to Emma. "Yeah, mom. She's really pretty."

"Sure she is." The blonde shrugged evasively.

"You look like you're ready to move here. Please don't tell me you're going to spend all summer staring at her."

"Hey, I'm offended. I don't stare." Henry raised an eyebrow at her and she deflated with a frown. "Maybe I stare a little…"

"A lot and you never say anything."

"Say what?" Ruby asked coming back with their food as Henry smiled at her. She gave him a suspicious look.

"My mom needs someone to talk girl problems with." Henry said casually, shrugging his shoulders as a started on his milkshake.

"Henry." Emma hissed in surprise. She wasn't expecting him to say that. He was her son but she couldn't ever seem to catch what was coming out of his mouth beforehand. It would have been useful. Her eyes darted over to the brunette at the counter as if he had said it loud enough to hear. Although even if she did, it was highly unlikely she would think it has anything to do with herself. Which it doesn't…

Ruby smirked catching the look the blonde threw over to the counter. She chuckled gently touching the woman's shoulder. "Emma, don't sweat it. I can always lend an ear or two."

"Thanks but-"

"Maybe…we can hang out later? I'm always in the market for interesting friends."

"Oh..." Emma blushed and scolded herself for it instantly. Why did she have to smile like that? "I don't know about interesting…"

"I like you anyway." The blonde still looked apprehensive about it. "Oh come on. It'll be fun. I promise I'm not inviting the town either."

"Well, okay. I could use some fun, I guess." Emma picked at her fries, tucking blonde curls behind her ear.

"Great. My shift's over at six. Meet me here?"

"Sounds good." The brunette woman grinned at her as Henry snickered. Emma kicked him under the table, satisfied at his cringe. Ruby started to move back over to the counter after laughing at them when Emma thought of another question. "Ruby?"

"Yeah. What's up?" She turned back to the table looking expectantly at Emma. The blonde still couldn't point out why she was so…so something. "Let me guess. Looking for the Marriott Inn right?"

Psychic. That had to be it. She was psychic.

"Uh, yeah. That's right actually."

"Unfortunately, no fancy Hampton here. All we got is Granny's good ol' Bed & Breakfast."

"Does Granny run the town then?" Henry asked.

"I wish. Things might be a little easier around here." Ruby laughed as she walked away behind the counter.

She was excited now. New people in town was always interesting. Nothing much ever happened but it was still a break from the normal.

Ruby dropped her pen and pad and leaned against the counter, grinning devilishly at the brunette across from her. The woman slowly brought her gaze up from the newspaper in front of her. She raised a perfectly plucked eyebrow at Ruby and then narrowed her eyes, yet the grin still stuck.

She sighed and pulled the paper down. "What?"

Ruby sighed dramatically and slumped her shoulders before glanced on either side of them to ensure no one would hear. Then she leaned over. "Don't you smell the tourists in town?" she asked nodding to Henry and Emma in their booth. The brunette turned to eye the blonde and instantly caught the woman's eye. The blonde. Turned red in the cheeks from getting caught staring and she gave a half smile before dropping her eyes back to her plate.

"Aw, she's so adorable." Ruby sighed.

"Adorable?"

"Come on Regina." The younger woman pouted. "Don't act like she's not. She blushed when you looked at her. She likes you."

"You're speaking as if we're talking about a puppy, which we are not." Regina said flatly. Ruby was about to pout more but she raised her hand and added. "I don't do adorable."

"But you do blondes. You love blondes…adorable blondes." Regina frowned at her. "I bet she's a cuddler."

"I'm waiting for my coffee Miss Lucas." the older brunette said in annoyance.

"Fine, I'll try to resist sabotaging your afternoon pick me up." Ruby groaned moving to prepare her friend's expresso. "But you think she's attractive right?"

"Ruby-"

"She's blonde, gorgeous green eyes, and she smells like vanilla and mint."

"You were sniffing her?" Regina asked, feeling a headache start to creep up on her, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"No, I wasn't sniffing her. That's weird." Ruby said pushing the steaming mug over to the older woman as she scanned the room. "I think you should ask her out."

"Ruby, I really want my coffee…in peace." the older brunette nearly growled.

"Careful…fangs are showing."

Regina tilted her head and tensed her jaw to relax her canines, throwing a deathly glare in Ruby's direction. The younger woman rolled her eyes and reached over to get a to-go cup and gave her another fresh cup of coffee for her to take. Just before Regina moved for the cup the bell rung signaling another patron's arrival. Ruby grinned and watched him take a seat next to Regina and she pushed the mug of coffee over to him and quickly dropped a shot of whiskey inside.

Regina eyed him as he took a sip and stood from her seat with her coffee in hand. "Sheriff."

"Uh, afternoon." the man said questioningly watching her retreating form leave out the door. He looked back to Ruby knowingly. "What did you do to her this time?"

"Nothing. Everything bothers that woman."

"You're her friend, Ruby. You know what bothers her and you constantly continue to do it."

"Regina always has a stick up her ass."

"Seriously, Ruby." Graham gave her look. She gave him one in return and his eyes widened skeptically. "Who is it?" Ruby nodded over to the blonde in the booth with her son and Graham glanced over with interest. It had to be someone special for Ruby to be pestering Regina about her love life, or lack thereof.

"Her name's Emma. From Chicago moved to Boston then NYC."

"Huh." Graham murmured turning back and lifting his coffee to his lips.

"I know right. She's gorgeous."

"No argument here." he responded but sat his cup down seriously. "Ruby, don't bug Regina about this."

"But I can see it. They're…they're…they just go together. I know it."

"Ruby Lucas-"

"Oh don't start with me. She's Regina's cuddle monster and you know it."

"Cuddle monster?" He shook his head as she nodded animatedly. "You didn't actually say that to her did you? Because if you did, she'll be in a foul mood for the rest of the week."

"No, I didn't." Ruby sighed looking over to Emma.

"Knock, knock. Wolf incoming." Ruby cackled walking through the door to the mayor's office. Regina looked away from her paperwork and narrowed her eyes. "Okay. You're still pissed from a few minutes ago."

"I'm not upset." Regina said pushing back from her desk. Ruby gave her the side eye as she sat the brown take out bag down on the table. "Slightly agitated at your choice in conversation earlier."

"I don't see a problem in what we were discussing."

"Ruby, I told you there are some things we do not discuss. You know my private life is none of your business." Ruby recoiled and looked genuinely offended at the statement. A bit of hurt flashed across her face and Regina sighed, rubbing circles into the temples.

"None of my business?" the younger woman questioned.

"You know what I mean. My love life is something we don't talk about."

"What's the point of having a best friend if she never wants to talk about anything?" She folded her arms and dropped down moodily into her seat. Regina rolled her eyes affectionately at the woman.

Before she could round her desk, she was abruptly struck with lightheadedness. A gasp slipped from her lips as gripped the side of the desk firmly just to stay up right. As expected Ruby was up and at her side in less than a second, grabbing her forearm and putting a hand around her waist.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm-"

"Regina, seriously. Be honest."

"I've had a headache for at least an hour. I'm feeling a bit lightheaded that's all."

"That's all?" Ruby exclaimed, startling the older woman in the process. "Regina when was last time you fed?"

"A week ago…I think." Regina sighed, letting Ruby lead her to a chair and sit her down gently.

"On what?" Regina cleared her throat, turning away from the younger woman. Ruby pouted impatiently. "Regina."

"A…a fox." she admitted shamefully.

"That's new."

"Please, don't make any further conversation about this."

"I'm not judging, Gina." Ruby sat down in the chair next to her and turned so they were both facing each other. Regina watched her pull up her sleeves and hold her wrists out, closing her eyes in the process.

"What the hell are you doing?" Regina mumbled pinching the bridge of her nose again.

"Bite me. Get it over with quick."

"What…?"

"Regina you need to feed. Hurry up."

Sighing, the older brunette agreed silently. Ruby peeked her eyes opening leaning back at seeing her friend so close to her face. "What are you doing?"

"Stop panicking." Regina grabbed her wrists and leaned forward. "I know you haven't done it in a while but the neck is more effective. Relax, dear."

"Is it going to hurt? I don't remember last time."

"Shh."

Ruby bit down on her lip feeling the warmth radiating off Regina as she invaded her personal space. She winced at the nails digging into her arms in warning.

"Relax, Ruby." she said pressing her lips to younger woman's neck.

"I'm trying. Is it going to hurt?" Ruby asked again before lightly gasping at the feel of two sharp teeth invading her skin. That definitely answered her question. It hurt. She gripped Regina's forearms back, completely submitting to the intrusion. She gritted her teeth at the short pain and then quickly relaxed at the tingling feeling running through her blood. Her head started to feel different. Blissful maybe. Or she was about to pass out.

"I feel like I'm going to pass out." Ruby murmured. In response Regina bit down a little harder and Ruby groaned. "Okay, I'll stay awake…stay awake." resisting the urge to shove to the older woman away.

Just as Regina was beginning to pull away, fearing she might actually make Ruby pass out, a frantic knock came at her office door. Ruby glanced over at the door, worriedly.

"Madame Mayor your meeting was rescheduled for tomorrow but there is paperwork you have to go over before then." her secretary informed from behind the glass. Ruby yelped and she slapped her hand over the younger woman's mouth.

"Pull yourself together Miss Lucas." Regina straightened her blazer and moved to stand. Ruby pulled her back down into the chair.

"You got a little…" She pointed to the corner of her mouth and then just reached into her jacket pocket. Regina took the offered cloth and wiped away the evidence of their activities. Ruby took the cloth back and shoved it back into her pocket and grabbed the take out as Regina went to go open the door after checking her makeup in the mirror.

"Hey, you want this later?" Ruby asked quietly.

Regina lifted her hand from the door handle and turned around. The younger woman looked a little flushed and her hands were a bit unsteady. She took a few steps forward, putting a calming hand out. "Are you alright, dear?"

"Yeah. I just feel a little funny. Like the very first time. I'm okay."

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"Positive." She paused. "You didn't answer about the food."

"Sure. I'll have it later. You can leave it."

"Okay, cool."

Regina nodded shortly at her.

"Thank you." she said taking the files her secretary immediately started handing her as she opened the door. Ruby slipped passed them quietly, waving as she left. "Thanks for lunch, Gina."

Regina sighed and narrowed her eyes at her back. Her secretary responded with a chuckle. "Because she's your best friend."

The brunette's shoulder's slumped at the statement and nodded. She had once questioned out loud why she bothered to deal with Ruby Lucas all the time and because her secretary actually paid close attention to her, she always gave her that answer to remind her they were best friends. Regina couldn't deny that either since she had once mentioned those exact words very briefly.

"Thank you, dear." Regina said giving the girl a small smile. Shame she was leaving for an internship in Denver next week.

Regina sat perched in a tree waiting for prey to come strolling by. It wasn't rare that unsuspecting travelers or just incompetent, ignorant citizens of the town a barely mile down the trail roamed into the forest. The Dark Forest. Only the foolish dare pass through and not surprising enough, far too many people still passed through.

She sensed it as soon as the footsteps started to crunch against the leaves. Though it seemed they were taking their time and it was bothering Regina. She glanced around in annoyance suddenly feeling them coming closer to her.

"Must we take forever." she mumbled to herself adjusting her bodice slightly. She had to remember to remind the next person she requested her clothes from to make them a bit more conforming to her flexibility. She had no problem being up there but the clothes were restricting.

The brunette snapped from her thoughts at the sound of a twig snapping below her. She looked down to a young woman with dark hair walking below the tree she was perched on. She looked lost and moved hesitantly with her shaking hands clutched close to her chest. Regina chose to ignore the fact and, without hesitation she jumped, pinning the woman under her. She put a hand on her dagger.

"Please." she heard with terrified eyes looking up at her but her grip stayed firm on the younger woman's neck. Her body was cold underneath her and she was shivering from it as well as from being terrified. Regina leaned in close until she stopped abruptly recoiling at the smell. She was a wolf. Obviously, recently turned considering how jittery and scared she looked.

"You've been bitten."

"Please, don't hurt me." the girl begged, a tear slipping down her cheek.

Regina loosened her grip at the quivering voice. "What's your name?"

"Ruby."

"Regina." she replied removing her hand from her throat completely.

"I don't have any money." Ruby said instantly in a panic. Regina glanced up and down her body noticing her attire the statement quickly becoming a fact. Ripped and worn plain dress stained with blood in large quantities. The older woman softened her expression knowing what that meant. A violent turning.

"I can see that. You're a slave girl taken from that farming village in the north aren't you?"

"You can't take me back." Ruby said urgently and pleadingly quickly clinging to the woman's arm.

Regina sighed and gently pulled herself out of the grip. She stood up tucking her dagger back into place, looking over the young brunette and realized she barely was a woman as is. So maybe she could get a stack of coins for returning her back to the kingdom grounds. Although, obviously once they figured out she'd been turned, they'd kill her or hand her off to the first hunter they come across. Either wasn't a very promising fate especially if a hunter caught wind of herself as well. It took too much time to get out of a hunter's track once you were given away.

"It's not in my interest to take you back, dear. Being found a werewolf or any other creature isn't very promising for you. You're young, you can start fresh somewhere. I'm doing you a favor."

"Thank…thank you." the younger brunette nodded as she stood up. Her eyes were immediately cast down as the older woman looked at her. "I'm sorry. I have nothing of profitable value to you."

She tilted her head in question. "Profitable value?"

"No…All I can offer you to please you. As best I can." Regina frowned in confusion, not understanding. She glanced to the young woman for a moment and it finally dawned on her what she was referring to.

"Oh, no. My dear, I don't want that from you. You owe me nothing. It's an honest favor."

Ruby looked surprised that she had not accepted. She smartly chose not to question it. There's always the chance the person changed their mind and decided to take what she offered. So, gratefully, she nodded and expressed her appreciation again. "I…thank you, Regina."

"You're welcome." Regina said nodding, turning to take her leave. A shudder crawled up her spine thinking of the possibility that Ruby had no choice but to offer only that because she had nothing else. She could only hope that by showing her the kindness of not trading her in for gold coins that it would be a fresh start.

Although she tried not to think about it as much. Maybe it's best if her main priority was finding someone to nab some gold from. And there was the option to be the survivor that she was and hunt for food but at the moment she wasn't feeling like telling herself that survivor pep talk ever again.

She only got a few dozen paces away before she stopped. There were timid footsteps behind her and she attempted to ignore it but it only continued. Eventually she'd had enough of not knowing who was following her, never thinking it could have been Ruby, and turned around to the same brunette following behind her.

"You're following me." Regina stated.

Ruby looked around nervously. "I don't have anywhere else to go."

"And what can I do?"

"You're a vampire, aren't you?" Ruby asked in response and Regina shrugged. "You can help me."

"How do you figure that?"

"I could come with you. I have a lot of skills. I could do the things you don't have the time to do."

"I don't have-"

A branch snapped behind Ruby and the younger woman spun around in a panic even though the last thing she wanted to see was whatever was out to get them. Because surely anyone sneaking about now would be here for something unpleasant. Regina stiffened sensing a bristling presence coming up to them. She glanced over to Ruby and noticed that she wasn't worried about who was approaching. It was safe to assume her abilities probably weren't nearly developed.

Another branch snapped and Ruby turned to Regina nervously. The woman met her eye and noticed her shaking hands. She moved to speak when an arrow flew her way narrowly missing her face by mere centimeters.

"Hunters." Regina muttered. The younger woman heard and her eyes widened in terror. "If either of us gets caught, our deaths will be slow and painful."

"So run, right?" Ruby questioned shakily.

"Yes."

They both took off as arrows started to fly at them. Naturally, the brunettes left in different directions. Regina darted quickly to the west arrows whizzing past her. A few came close to her face again and one clipped her hand, leaving a nice gash on her. She hissed in pain and came to a skidded to a stop and glanced around her and then she eyed the tree next to her and sighed. The older woman tried to adjust the bodice but didn't have the time. Taking a few steps back, she took a deep breath and ran full speed forcing herself off her feet. Quickly, she climbed to the highest point she could get to in four cat like movements and sat down on a branch to look at her hand.

The running was getting tiring but at least once she made it across the border she could finally step foot on a dock and not be recognized. She could escape to another country. France seemed to be teeming with vampires who weren't always on the run and they were the ones always out to kill someone, Regina didn't see the appeal in hunting humans for very senseless reasons.

Swiping hair out of her face, she pulled her dagger from her waist and glanced down just as two men crept below where she was perched. Regina dropped from her hiding spot much as she'd earlier but this time her dagger was violently imbedded into the man's neck. She jerked the blade to the side causing a loud crack to echo off the trees. The other hunter fumbled with his crossbow and was subdued instantly by the blade that left Regina's hand.

She cringed at the gushing blood from his throat as he dropped to his knees and fell forward, effectively severing his spinal cord as the blade pushed completely through his neck.

"So much for peace and quiet." the brunette murmured getting to her feet. She glanced over her shoulder, hoping Ruby had gotten away.

Night came and went slowly for three days. It was three days of torture for Regina. Animals seemed to know she was starving and not a single person had traveled into the forest as far as she knew. It had never happened before for her to come up empty on food or anything else for that matter. For just a moment she'd believed maybe she was even more cursed than being a vampire.

The first day, she'd had a deer in her sights and was ready to put an arrow through it for enough meat to last her for a few days if she could preserve it properly. Unfortunately, hunger overpowered her senses. She stepped forward to get a better aim and subsequently tripped, startling the deer. Day two, she went foraging. Her lack of knowledge on what plants not to eat had her suffering greatly. The blue berries were poisonous. The red ones weren't and she knew that now but it didn't help in the 24 hours of vomiting constantly she was victim to.

On the third day after the stomach pains of her sickness subsided and laying restlessly in her makeshift camp, she decided to stop avoiding villages. She had taken the silver pieces off the hunters and swept up her camp. By the time she made it into town her abdomen was cramping in ways she didn't know possible.

Under the shadows of night, Regina slipped into a tavern and took the first seat she could find. The smell of food was almost a wonder but it wasn't as hardy as what the nobles were eating. She didn't think too hard on that as a barmaid came up to her.

"What can I get you, m'lady?"

"Something strong to drink…and surprise me on the meal." Regina said tiredly. The woman nodded and left, returning almost in under a minute with the strong drink she requested before disappearing again. The brunette took a swig from it and sighed in relief but still glanced around cautiously. The only way to know if the town had caught wind of her was to take the risk in roaming around and it seemed no one here knew of her yet. So, the only reason for stares were from shady men looking to maybe catch her alone once she left.

The thought reminded her of what the young woman had said to her. Another shudder climbed up her spine. She had offered sex as a thank you for sparing her and then Regina was sure Ruby had hinted at offering to be her slave or at least a servant. It worried her what she might have gone through before they ran into each other and it was currently worrying her happened to her after the hunters showed up.

She rubbed the bandage wrapped over the wound on her hand and took another drink. The barmaid came back shortly and placed a plate full of food in front of her. Regina looked up to her suspiciously and the woman raised her hands calmly. She leaned forward spoke lowly. "I know a starving vampire when I see one."

Regina looked shocked and was seconds from running out of there until a hand came down over her own. She looked up and the woman bared her teeth revealing a set of fangs that had her relaxing at the sight.

"Your secret is safe with me." the blonde said pulling aside her dress over her shoulder showing the mark of her clan. Regina nodded gratefully and she left her to her meal. Regina slowly picked up the bread and bit into it with a satisfied hum. It was rare to find bread loaves fresh and it was something amazing if you did. She devoured the plate, unconcerned with how unladylike it may have been to actually eat like you're starving when you really are starving.

Without a hint of shame, she was cleaning off the bone of meat she was too hungry to identify what it was. Just as she dropped it back onto the bronze plate a door slammed closed heavily. Normally, something like that didn't bother her but there was a strained yell. She was the only one to hear it considering her eardrums were overly sensitive to sounds even far away. Although, she chose to ignore the noise. Taverns weren't necessarily known for their quietness.

There was thud and sounds of scuffling. It had to be around back and she probably was the only one who could help out whoever was getting their ass kicked. She sighed and finished off the drink standing up from the table and dropping a two gold pieces just for her fellow vampire. The woman happened to turn her way and gave her a look. The blonde nodded towards the back door with a worried expression.

Regina walked to the back and through the narrow corridor before walking out of the back door expecting to find maybe a drunk man getting bullied into giving up the last of his money but that's not what she found. There were two men and one…Ruby.

The brunette gasped lightly in shock seeing this girl again, this time being hassled by some drunk men. One of them was deep in her personal space. "Stop struggling. I'm going to have my way with you slave."

Regina saw Ruby's eyes flash in even more terror at the mention of knowing who she was. She'd seen enough. His words alone had her fluming. She grabbed the knife tucked in her boot and raised her hand as she crept up behind the second man just watching. Ruby saw her and her eyes widened. The man noticed and turned but by the time he was about to turn, his partner was hitting the ground with a blade planted in the back of his neck. He only got a glimpse before Regina was grabbing him and forcing her fangs into his neck. He choked on a shout, shaking violently until his body stiffened. The brunette jerked away, his body falling heavily to the floor, hissing at the burning of his blood against the inside of her mouth.

Ruby blinked out of her surprise and reached out tentatively to make sure she was okay but pulled her hand back. Regina spat the blood out with a grimace, wiping at her mouth as the burning receded.

"Thank you." Ruby murmured weakly.

"Did they hurt you?" Regina asked, dismissing the gratitude.

"No. I'm fine…only because you showed up."

"I keep running into you. I have a feeling saving you is going to be a reoccurring thing." Regina chuckled. Ruby looked up from her feet at the sound and let herself smile.

The older woman reluctantly brushed her hand on her shirt and pulled up her hood. Ruby was sure she was going to leave again and strangely she didn't want that to happen, not unless she could go with her. She reached out again this time grabbing Regina's arm. She turned around curiously watching as Ruby handed her a pouch.

"What is this?" Regina asked opening it. Any other words died in her throat seeing the gold pieces flash in the candlelight as they fell into her hand. "Why are you giving this to me?"

"You saved me from having to go back to my masters and you just saved me again."

"I told you, you don't owe me anything."

"I want to go with you. I was a pickpocket in my village. I could steal for you. I can get you money." She looked at her pleadingly. "I don't want to be alone. I'll do whatever you want…please?"

Regina sighed to herself, shoving the coins back into the pouch. She looked up at Ruby and saw the look in her eyes. There was fear. It was probably for numerous things but she could bet everything it was because she was now a wolf. There were a lot of hindrances for bringing her along but that could always be fixed with some combat training and a fresh set of clothes that didn't look like everyone should be suspicious of her.

What couldn't be fixed was if she said no and left her here. She'd be worrying about what had happened to her forever and there was no doubt in her mind that without having someone who wasn't going to kill her, Ruby would be dead in only a few days. Inexperienced and young and very scared but at least Regina wouldn't have to wonder and worry.

She pushed the pouch back into the younger brunette's hands and instantly raised her hand at the hurt and terrified expression preparing to come over her face. "Alright, I'll take you in. Let's move before people discover these bodies."

"Th-"

"That's rule number one: stop thanking me. I'll let you know when you should."

Regina turned on her heel and began walking off into the shadows. Ruby held on tightly to the pouch with a bright smile on her face. It wasn't exactly what she'd hoped for as a child but she felt like the woman had just given her a home.

"Come on, pup. We need to be far away from this town before those bodies are found." Regina called.

Ruby nodded, still smiling, and picked up her pace to catch up. "Okay."

So let me know what guys think. Shall we continue?